How to Flash the KISS OSD (MMOSD)

*NOTE: The KISS OSD from Here comes pre-flashed with the KISS OSD firmware, so out of the box this entire process is not necessary. In this case, this guide can be used for assistance with non-KISS OSD hardware, or general information. KISS OSD firmware download located at the end of this guide.

Step 1/ go to the Flyduino site and buy the KISS pre-flashed OSD
Step 2/ When it lands, solder it up
Step 3/ ??
Step 4/ Profit!

Usually Micro MinimOSDs (MMOSD) come pre-flashed with MultiWii-OSD (MWOSD). While this is installed, use it to flash the KISS Character Set (charset or .mcm file) to the MMOSD. The charset is saved in a different part of the OSD, it doesn’t get wiped when you clear the EEPROM to install the KISS OSD FW.

..then connect your FTDI adapter to your PC, making a note of which port it installs on. You should get a solid LED on the OSD and a second flashing LED when data is being transmitted.

– Load up the MWOSD GUI, select the correct port and connect to your OSD. You should see section called ‘font tools’ in the GUI. Click ‘select’ and load your KISS_OSD_font.mcm file. You should see the characters change on the display in the GUI. Click ‘upload’ and let it do it’s thing. After that you can click disconnect and close the GUI, you’re done with it.

– If you haven’t already, install Arduino. Once installed, copy the MAX7456 folder in the KISS_OSD folder to the ‘libraries’ folder (C;/program files/arduino/libraries) as per the READ ME.

– Load up Arduino, go in to the Tools tab at the top. Under ‘board’ select Pro 5v 16Mhz ATmega328. Select the correct port in ‘serial port’.

– Now you need to wipe MWOSD off the EEPROM, so again In Arduino, under the ‘files’ tab, go to ‘examples’, ‘EEPROM’, eeprom_clear. This will load up a new window. Click the upload button (->) and you should see it compile and run. If this goes well the EEPROM is now clear (but the charset is still there)

– Now double click the KISS_OSD.ino file, which will open another new window. (NTSC cam users, see note at the end of this guide) Double check that the settings and port are still correct. If so, click ‘upload’ as before. You should see it compile and upload the KISS OSD FW and you’re set!

Good luck and have fun

Another thing worth mentioning is that if your PC isn’t quite supplying the full 5v to the OSD through the FTDI adapter while flashing the charset, you may need to also supply power through the power pads at the same time. I didn’t, but while reading up I read this sometimes happens. Only do this if the charset doesn’t stick, you won’t know until you get it up and running and can see the characters displayed on your OSD.

Installing: Make sure you wire your OSD to your KISS FC correctly. Refer to the manual for full details (link in OP). Pay particular attention to the TX/RX connections. TX/RX on the FC connects to RX/TX on the OSD…

A dedicated 5v regulator is recommended to power the MMOSD, 500mA minimum. NOT the flight controller! You may find you need to add a capacitor to the input side of the 5v reg. to stop the voltage spikes (active braking) from the ESCs causing the OSD to drop out. It’s not always needed, it depends on many factors like PID tuning, motors, ESCs, prop type, etc.

The OSD should just work, there’s nothing you need to do in the KISS GUI to activate it. You can use channel 8 (AUX4) to switch between display modes; full or reduced. No setting up of AUX4 is required either.

NTSC: If you’re using an NTSC camera you’ll need to change a bit of the code before you compile and upload to the OSD. Once you’ve opened the KISS_OSD.ino, scroll down until you see this bit of text. *Want to skip this? We have done done the work for you and it can be downloaded below: